David Archuleta, the runner up on American Idol during one of the last seasons that you probably watched it with full enjoyment, is putting his music career on hold.
The Utah native Archultta is embarking on a Mormon mission.
Archie will be off the grid for two years in a bid to reconnect with his faith and carry out his religious duty as a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints.
It’s not known where he will be sent yet, but he will adhere to strict rules, and cut all contact to his family and friends for the full two years, aside from two annual phone calls home.
Archuleta made the announcement to fans during a recent tour stop, where he explained, , “I would like to make a special announcement: that I’ve chosen to serve a full-time mission. It’s not because someone told me I was supposed to do it and not because I no longer want to do music anymore. It’s because it’s what I feel I need to do next in my life.
“It’s the same feeling that I’ve always tried to follow in my life – the feeling that’s allowed me to have the opportunities I’ve had, the challenges and the blessings, too. And I’ve learned to trust that feeling and answer when it calls. That’s the reason why I know I have to do this in my life.”
Good luck, Archie!
Like the rest of David’s loyal worldwide fans, I will wait for him. It will be hard to be away from his smiles and inspiration and hearing him sing new songs with that velvety voice but so many more people will get to know him and I know he can inspire and uplift others as he has done for us. We will be waiting for him when he returns.